Difference between revisions of "Catch Your Breath"

#Discontinue any activity that made you lose your breath. If you experience a sudden shortness of breath during physical activity, the first thing you should do is temporarily discontinue that activity. Take a break from whatever you're doing and give yourself at least a few minutes to sit down and rest until you catch your breath.<ref name="rf1">http://www.copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Living-with-COPD/Breathing-Techniques.aspx</ref>

#Take long, deep breaths instead of short, shallow breaths. If you're feeling short of breath, your natural instinct may be to try and breathe as rapidly as possible. However, this can actually make your situation worse. The best way to catch your breath is by taking long, slow, deep breaths down into your diaphragm.<ref name="rf1" />

#Breathe while lying flat on the floor. Some people find that lying on the floor can make breathing easier. It allows you to stretch out your body and facilitates an easier flow of air into your lungs without the pressure that may come with sitting or standing.<ref name="rf2">http://www.coedu.usf.edu/zalaquett/Help_Screens/breath.htm</ref>

#Try breathing through pursed lips. Breathing through pursed lips can help slow down your respiration rate and ensure that you get adequate air into your lungs. You should continue to inhale as you would for normal deep-breathing exercises, then exhale slowly by forcing the air out of your mouth.<ref name="rf1" />

#Try using bronchodilators. Bronchodilators are medications that help physically open your airways. However, bronchodilators are not for everyone. They are most effective for treating an asthma attack, so bronchodilators may not help your shortness of breath if you do not have asthma.<ref name="rf3">http://www.asthma.partners.org/NewFiles/Lesson7.html</ref>

#Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of shortness of breath. Even if you don't smoke, being around other people's second-hand smoke can irritate your lungs and make breathing difficult. If you're currently a smoker, you should quit as soon as possible. You should also avoid being around smokers, regardless of whether or not you yourself smoke.<ref name="rf4">http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0415/p1538.html</ref>

#* Ask your family, friends, and coworkers to help you quit smoking. Ask them to keep an eye on you and stop you from smoking any time you're tempted.<ref name="rf5">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/in-depth/quit-smoking/art-20045452</ref>

#* Use smoke cessation products like nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges. All of these products are available over the counter without any prescription.<ref name="rf6">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/in-depth/quit-smoking/art-20045452?pg=2</ref>

#Avoid pollutants, chemicals, and scented products. Products with a strong scent or a significant air particle presence can adversely affect your breathing. Even household chemicals like cleaning products, candles, and perfumes can affect your ability to breathe.<ref name="rf4" />

#Lose weight if you are obese or overweight. Being overweight can make it difficult to breathe, especially during mild to moderate physical activity. If you believe that your breathing difficulties may be caused by a weight problem, talk to your doctor about a weight-loss plan to help you safely and effectively reduce your weight.<ref name="rf7">http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/shortness-of-breath/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050890</ref>

#* Focus on eating healthy, low-calorie meals. Avoid anything greasy, fatty, or high in sugar.<ref name="rf8">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/basics/diet-and-exercise/hlv-20049483</ref>

#Treat anxiety. Some individuals who are prone to anxiety might experience breathing problems during a panic attack. This usually involves a rapid heartbeat, short, shallow breathing patterns, and an overwhelming sense of fear or dread.<ref name="rf9">http://cancergrace.org/cancer-treatments/2012/02/17/dyspnea/</ref> Talk to your doctor if you believe you may have an anxiety disorder. Having your anxiety diagnosed is the first step in treating the symptoms.

#Stay at lower elevations. Any type of physical exertion at elevations above 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) can impair your ability to breathe. You may also experience elevation sickness at high elevations if you are not properly acclimated. If you experience the symptoms of elevation sickness, including headaches, confusion/disorientation, and difficulty breathing, it's important that you return to lower elevations as soon as possible.<ref name="rf10">http://www.mayo.edu/research/documents/preparing-for-safe-travelpdf/doc-10026905?_ga=1.66418542.1378625591.1454630300</ref> Elevation sickness usually goes away after returning to a lower elevation. Common treatments and preventative measures for elevation sickness include:

#Know when to see a doctor. Depending on your symptoms, you may need to see a doctor to treat your breathing difficulties. Some breathing problems are symptomatic of a more serious health problem.<ref name="rf11">http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/trying-to-catch-your-breath-whats-normal-and-when-to-see-your-doctor-206239/</ref> See a doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

#* difficulty breathing while lying flat<ref name="rf7" />

#Learn about possible causes of acute shortness of breath. If you experience a sudden onset of shortness of breath (called acute shortness of breath), it could be caused by many possible conditions. If you do not have any pain or other symptoms associated with your shortness of breath, it could be a simple case of overexertion. However, it could also be a more serious medical problem.<ref name="rf12">http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/shortness-of-breath/basics/causes/sym-20050890</ref> Talk to your doctor right away to assess whether you have any other medical issues. Common ailments associated with acute shortness of breath include, but are not limited to:

#Understand the causes of chronic shortness of breath. Chronic (or long lasting) shortness of breath is usually caused by a medical problem. It could be something relatively benign and easy to fix, like being unaccustomed to physical activity. However, many of the conditions that cause chronic breathing problems are very serious. Talk to your doctor to evaluate your overall health if you've experienced breathing problems lasting longer than two weeks.<ref name="rf12" /> Common conditions associated with chronic breathing problems include, but are not limited to: